Drive Pinion Flange and Drive Pinion Seal: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Ford Ranger. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: The color on the rear face of the drive pinion nut is critical to this repair. Use the same color new drive pinion nut for installation unless installing a new collapsible spacer or damage to the component may occur.

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING AND LIFTING .

NOTE: The rear wheels and brake drums must be removed to prevent brake drag during drive pinion bearing preload adjustment.

Remove the wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to WHEELS AND TIRES .

Fig 1: Locating Rear Brake Drum

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the rear brake drums. For additional information, refer to DRUM BRAKE .

Fig 2: Identifying Index-Mark On Driveshaft Centering Socket Yoke And Rear Axle Pinion Flange

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Mark the driveshaft flange and pinion flange for correct alignment during installation.

Fig 3: Locating Driveshaft Flange Bolts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the 4 driveshaft flange-to-pinion flange bolts.

Fig 4: Disconnecting Driveshaft Flange Yoke From Pinion Flange

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: The driveshaft centering socket yoke fits tightly on the rear axle pinion flange pilot. Never hammer on the driveshaft or any of its components to disconnect the yoke from the flange. Pry only in the area shown with a suitable tool to disconnect the yoke from the flange or damage to the component may occur.

Using a suitable tool as shown, disconnect the driveshaft centering socket yoke from the rear axle pinion flange.
- Position the driveshaft aside.

Fig 5: Rotating Pinion Gear

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install a Nm (lb-in) torque wrench on the pinion nut and record the torque required to maintain rotation of the pinion through several revolutions.

Fig 6: Holding Pinion Flange Using Special Tool

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using the special tool, hold the pinion flange and remove and discard the pinion nut.

Fig 7: Placing Index Marks On Pinion Flange

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Mark the pinion flange in relation to the drive pinion stem to make sure of correct alignment during installation.

Fig 8: Removing Pinion Flange Using Special Tool

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using the special tool, remove the pinion flange.

Fig 9: Removing Drive Pinion Oil Seal

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Force up on the metal flange of the rear axle drive pinion seal. Install gripping pliers and strike with a hammer until the rear axle pinion seal is removed.